Backpacks aren't just for unwashed college students touring Europe. If you've flown in the last 10 years, you know that the carry-on space on a plane is a hot commodity. While other passengers have to gate-check their wheeled suitcases, your backpack should slide into an open spot in the bin and leaves your hands free from the moment you land. Your backpack will be more trouble than it's worth if it's back-breakingly heavy, though.

The Backpack

Take a quick survey of your backpack before putting anything inside. Check that the straps are wide and thick and firmly stitched to the body of the bag. The ideal backpack will be made of a sturdy fabric and have some shape to it, even when it's empty, instead of being made of thin fabric that crumples up. You'll need to measure the bag to be sure it complies with your airline's carry-on size requirements. Most airlines allow bags no larger than 14 x 9 x 22 inches. But wait until the bag is fully packed to measure.

Packing Strategy

Unlike a wheeled suitcase, a backpack has to be packed with your body in mind. Packing heavy objects at the front of the bag will pull you backward and throw off your center of gravity. Pack heavy items like shoes, textbooks or a laptop in the bottom of the bag and against the back of the bag where they'll be closest to your spine. Fill in the rest of the space with clothing and other lightweight objects. Don't pack these items too tightly, since you still need room for breakable items.

Delicate Items

Without the protection a hard-sided suitcase offers, delicate items inside a backpack are at risk of breaking from jostling. Try slipping electronics inside socks, and place jewelry pieces inside small plastic bags before wrapping them inside T-shirts. Push these items to the middle of your bag so they're cushioned by clothing. Toiletries can also burst from pressure, but don't push them down into your bag, since you'll have to remove any liquids, gels and aerosols during security screening. Place all your toiletries in a one-quart plastic bag in accordance with the Transportation Security Administration's requirements and stow it in the top of your backpack. Each toiletry item must also be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces. After you clear security, push the bag down into your clothes. Double-bagging your toiletries is an extra safeguard against leakage.

Finishing Up

After you've packed all your clothing and toiletries, tuck a book and MP3 player into the top of your bag to use on the plane. Add prescription medications to the backpack, along with chargers for your phone and any other electronics. Carry your ticket, passport and wallet through the airport and, once you've gotten through security, either stuff them into the bottom of your bag or place them in an exterior pocket that is fitted with a lock. Loop the lock's key around a chain and wear it as a necklace, or pin it through a belt loop so you won't lose it. Add some snacks, an inflatable pillow and motion sickness medication, if you need them, and you're ready to go.

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About the Author

Cooking, travel and parenting are three of Kathryn Walsh's passions. She makes chicken nuggets during days nannying, whips up vegetarian feasts at night and road trips on weekends. Her work has appeared to The Syracuse Post-Standard and insider magazine. Walsh received a master's degree in journalism from Syracuse University.